Harry Agnew, the founder of ‘Bush Bottles’, is on a mission to combat plastic pollution in Southern Africa, one bottle at a time.

Was ‘saving the planet’ your childhood dream?

Whilst I always loved nature and outdoor adventures, my dream was to be a rugby player! Eight rugby-related operations, including a neck op, ended that dream. I quickly became obsessed with recycling – waste management is an archaic system, and I saw it as a huge opportunity that could have a real positive impact.

Tell us about your life journey?

I grew up on a farm, where I worked as a farmhand or labourer on building sites during most of my summer holidays from the age of 12. I wanted to follow the footsteps of my cousins, Ben and Tom Youngs, and become a professional rugby player. This dream came crashing down after my seventh surgery due to rugby: a neck operation.

I transitioned into the FMCG sector and spent six years in this industry, primarily at Kraft Heinz, where I developed my skills in distribution, marketing, and financial management.

I founded my first company, Reglassify, while working at Heinz in the UK. The company turns glass waste into a source of income for grassroots sports clubs. Unfortunately, it did not generate the income I had hoped for due to a lack of participation in recycling.

In July 2024, I was told I had 24 hours to live. These words changed my perception of risk. As a result, I took the financial and career risk to start Bush Bottles and live on a continent I have always loved.

My motivation for this challenge is fuelled by not feeling academically successful in school and a desire to overcome the feeling of failure I experienced in my earlier school days.

Any major turning points in your life?

I’d always wanted to live in Africa and found an impact-driven business, but I was in a comfortable job in London. It wasn’t until I spent three 3 weeks in hospital suffering from a life-threatening bacterial infection that I knew if I had the chance to, I would make my dreams a reality.

What would your advice be for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Jump, with 2 feet! There is a solution to everything, always, it just might not be immediately obvious!

It seems like quite an adventurous life. Are you a risk taker?

A calculated risk taker… Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Any words of wisdom?

Curiosity, interest and focus can take you far!

Life Motto if you have one?

Be useful. Be kind. Leave it better than you found it.

Lessons learned?

Believe in people, but back it with clarity, not naivety.

Any favourite memories?

A second date on Tresco Island turned into two weeks of laughter, Covid lockdown, and the kind of connection you don’t see coming. I didn’t plan on meeting my soulmate, Lucy, but life had other ideas.

Any favourite destinations? If so, why?

Watamu, Kenya. It brings back some of my fondest memories of Africa.

Any spots still on the ‘‘bucket’ list?

An overlander trip in Botswana and Namibia.

Expat or local?

Expat.

 

“I’m a firm believe that we should leave somewhere in a better condition than when we found it – BUSH products hold meaning, empower, and symbolise change, leaving a footprint worth following!”

 

Are you living the dream?

Yes and no. My dreams of making a positive impact on this planet have only become more ambitious; I don’t think that will ever change. I’ll always be working towards a bigger dream!

How’s life in Kenya compared to the UK?

Incomparable – in the best way possible. Of course, I miss my friends and family, but the Africa bug has completely taken control of me now!

Pros/cons to life on the go in Africa?

Pros – The sun. I love it! Cons – As good as the food is, I’ve still not found anywhere to buy Hellman’s mayonnaise!

In another life I would have been…

Engineer.

Favourite /most used emoji?

🙌🏼